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Scotland: Jedburgh Abbey

Just across the Scottish border, less than 20 minutes from England, Jedburgh Abbey looks like something left over from another world. And, in many ways, it is.

Originally built by Scotland’s King David I in 1138, Jedburgh Abbey was originally run by Augustinian monks. Near the main building, you can still see the foundations of other structures used by these monks.

Badly damaged during several of Scotland’s battles with the English, Jedburgh managed to survive the Protestant Reformation as a Catholic church, but eventually fell into disrepair. Now only its shell remains.

For those without even a smidgen of claustrophobia, a very narrow and winding stair on one end of the main building leads to a spot with a decent view of the structure and the grounds.